A study in BMJ showed that depressed pediatric residents made 6.2 times as many medication errors as residents who were not depressed. The setting was in 3 urban children’s hospitals in the United States, 20% of the participating residents met the criteria for depression and 74% met the criteria for burnout. Burnout did not correlate with an increased rate of medical errors.
I have always suspected that happier doctors make for happier patients and a few years ago came up with a mnemonic for a set of well-being practices correlated with the feeling of happiness — MOTORS — because the pursuit of happiness, in its altruistic sense, can be the motor of your life.
“MOTORS” stands for:
Meaning –> find a meaning in what you do
Outlook –> have a positive outlook on life, be philosophical but also focused on success
Time –> spend quality time with F&F (Family & Friends)
Out of yuppie values –> don’t focus on chasing money or prestige
Religious / spiritual practices
Self care practices, like sports or meditation
Related: Original post by Clinical Cases
Physicians wellbeing - WJM theme issue, volume 174(1); January 2001.
Six Tips for Happiness by a Harvard Teacher. Clinical Cases and Images - Blog.
Why are doctors so unhappy? Edwin Leap.
